Acting on directives from Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, Transport Commissioner IAS Vivek Bhimanwar has initiated a rigorous crackdown on unauthorized bike taxi services operating across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
This strong enforcement action follows a series of complaints received by the Transport Department regarding illegal bike taxis being operated via unregistered mobile applications.
In swift response, Commissioner Bhimanwar instructed all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to implement a coordinated enforcement strategy aimed at curbing these unlawful services.
According to Section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, no individual or entity is permitted to run passenger transport services without proper government authorization — a requirement many app-based bike taxi operators have reportedly flouted. Bhimanwar emphasized that such operations not only violate legal norms, but also pose serious risks to commuter safety and result in substantial revenue loss to the state government.
Under his leadership, 20 RTO teams from regions including Mumbai, Thane, Vasai, Vashi, and Panvel carried out a joint enforcement drive. The operation resulted in the seizure of 123 unauthorized vehicles, including 78 bike taxis, and legal cases have been filed against the violators. In addition, legal action has been initiated against the operators of unlicensed mobile apps facilitating these services.
Commissioner Bhimanwar firmly stated that public safety will not be compromised, and assured that intensified monitoring and stricter enforcement will continue in the coming weeks. His proactive approach underscores the state government’s zero-tolerance policy toward illegal passenger transport in Maharashtra.
